"The soul of music slumbers in the shell
Till waked and kindled by the master's spell;
And feeling hearts, touch them but rightly, pour
A thousand melodies unheard before!"
— Samuel Rogers

~*________________*______________*~

In the beginning, there is nothing. Black void blankets the senses, bar hearing; a low, sonorous hum leaves the ears ringing with anticipation. This lack of solid ground, lack of warmth or chill, lack of smell and sigh, sends you into a dizzying predicament; your mind slowly begins to unfurl and reveal its true form.

You are finally seeing.

What do you see? The darkness is still quite poignant, at first. You are the blind baby, yet to be birthed from your warm sanctuary. But as mother pushes you along, sending you into the world of strife and pain and adventure, so does Mother Earth; She slowly drags away the curtain of dark void, and light pours through the thick inky depths of black. The light brings colors and shapes, but you are unable to recognize these aliens that dance through your head. In your old world, these gods were unseen, invisible to the clouded matrix you skulked through, with the wool of shame and ignorance over your eyes.

You were blind, my child. But now, see!

The shapes dance and twirl with a sense of all-knowing grace; The ancient forces are present and they gaily prance and hoof their tribal rituals. Your mind feels warm at the sight of the dances, but why? You feel some sort of happiness, or at least you can only guess. In this new world, that which foreign fancies tantalize your mundane and under-developed brainwaves, all feelings are amplified: Love, Anger, Fear, Excitement... these emotions you are known to express are but gone, and in these peasant's places you are given Lords. They bask on their thrones, smiling their wry and omniscient grins, chortling as your puny human body writhes through the spasms of unaltered Emotions.

But somehow you prove worthy of this gift. The Gods trial has passed, and your colors were able to soar beyond the veil of the world you left.

Now, see the splendor of the Eden that lies ahead....

There is a Man.

He stands idle in the distance, but his gaze is certainly aware.

Azure eyes, analytic and calculating; the two orbs of intellect quickly scan your being, and without warning, a chill overwhelms your body. What is this sorcery?, your mind races, as your own eyes dare to counter-scan this majestic creature that lies ahead.

A thick robe of musky grey blankets the stoic body of the Analyzer; It is but a shadow, draped regally over the figure. That Shadow forebodes an air of heavy pain- of heavy suffering. But it surely isn't the figure's.... The robe is adorned with the regal color of Magenta and the soothingly refreshing color of Daffodil- perhaps the distracting mask of illusion that which the shadow of death hides behind?

The Figure himself is decorated with the most stylish of garb, but the thick chains are quick intimidating; What power must the figure have, to bind himself! the restraining of destructive power, perhaps?

You will soon learn that the power is channeled not by the brute force, but of the mind.

The mind of LouisCyphre.

He gives a small smirk as your eyes make contact; The piercing blue lazers its gaze into yours, sends its colorful splash of being barreling into your dull sheen, and the shivers escalate rapidly.

The teeth of a god: a perfectly gleaming white set, flashing its seduction.

The hair of a god: the mane of lustrous auburn pours from His deep well of knowledge, and gracefully curls near the tips that dance with the air. What secrets it holds! But bound by its ruler and sealed in Pony form, the stallion of locks is restrained from spilling all the wonders of the earth.

The aura of a god: he surely exudes such, with the noble standing of the mightiest king, and the fluid physique of nimble dancers.

Surely, this man is truly God himself?

STOMP STOMP CLAP.
STOMP STOMP CLAP.

Oh DO quit your gawking! Though quite the character, this is not a god- merely a man whose presence is awe-instilling.

But, there is one man....

Allow your sight to fade away from just Lou. What do you see?

The Monolith Hall.

Yes, your travels through the mind have led you to this very place, the Ancient grounds that mesh the War of battle with the soul of Music.

Do you hear it now? Use your heart to recognize that familiar beat. It rises from the sonorous hum, and rumbles through the rock.

STOMP STOMP CLAP.
STOMP STOMP CLAP.

A third noise arises profusely, and your sight reveals its makers: the beasts of stone. Your circling glance is rewarded with the crowds of Magarco, Mawile, Aggron and Graveller, which release guttural bellows and primal screeches in response to the ever present rhythm. You begin the sweat, as they vastly outnumber your puny human self, and you glance at Lou to gauge his reaction.

He is a cool ripple of serenity in an ocean of Barbaric lust.

The behemoths seem to ignore your presence though, to your relief. You are but a spectator, after all. The stranger in shadows however gets the brute force of their blasts, as the overwhelming crowds of living crag scream and wail at LouisCyphre.

They want blood. They want a battle.

"AND SO YOU SHALL RECEIVE IT, MY FANS!"

A human voice! The lights, wherever their origins lie, are turned to the farthest corner of the Monolith's rooftop, where the large statue of a mighty Bastiodon stands erect. Basking in the warmth of the light and crowd, there he stands.

*dun-dun*

An electric chord ricochets through the air, reverberating off all the bodies of slate and shale, seemingly amplifying its vibrations.

*dun-dun*

You feel your whole body pulsed by the chords, like water rippling from the touch of a falling pebble.

*dun-dun*

The chords get stronger and stronger, and the second figure reveals himself, as he strums the moving tunes.

Waving locks of long, golden hair; wild like his spirit.

*dun-dun*

Stone Grey jeans, washed out and ragged with the vigor of the beat.

*dun-dun**dun-dun*

Manly Mascara, applied thick and bold to symbolize the angsty inner teen that courses through the soul of rock.

*dun-dun**dun-dun**dun-dun**dun-dun*

Sweat pours from his determined face, as the chords strum faster and stronger.

*dun-dun**daym-daym**dun-dun**daym-daym**dun-dun**daym-daym**dun-dun*

The drums and base join in, creating the hard rock beat that shakes the crowd, who roars in rejoice and approval. The lights suddenly begin to strobe, and the music blares. You feel as though you are strapped to Mother Earth's vibrator, pulsing erratically to please the goddess. You simply cannot take anymore of this incredible experience-!

"ROCK AND ROOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLL!"

The god of the stone bellows his proclamation and his subjects go wild. You find yourself grinning and cheering as well; the infectious groove and freedom moves you. How could one be so bound tightly to the rock, yet has soul that flits so freely? You know not how to answer, but this being is your idol. He continues to jam out, and as he does, you notice LouisCyphre begin the part the red sea of gravel and granite:

His marked destination is the Soulful rocker himself.

Without warning, time stands still.

All pokemon are frozen, and the music is muted. You quickly turn to the statue, where the crashing waves of life once emitted, and are surprised to see the head Rocker still mobile.

Lou is unaffected as well, and you are quick to conclude that the sorcery was his doing, as he gives a knowing smirk and strolls towards the statue.

"So, you wish for a battle?"

"SO BE IT. MAY THE MUSIC BE MY GUIDE, AND MY SOUL POUR OUT WITH THE VIBES OF ROCK!"

The world abruptly starts up again, and the pokemon quickly make a large open circle in the center of Monolith Hall. LouisCyphre stands firmly in the center, and stares up at his opponent.

4 v 4 Doubles (Challenger brings 4, Leader brings 7)DQ Time: 3 DaysMonolith Hall:
-Permanent, Unchangeable HARD ROCK
-HARD ROCK functions similarly to Sandstorm, with a few minor exceptions. Rock-type Pokemon are accustomed to the ROCKIN SOUND, and therefore suffer no negative effects from it, including stuff such as Solarbeam and Morning Sun. Thanks to the existence of metal and grunge, steel- and ground-types still suffer no damage, but their Sand Veils, Sand Forces, and Sand Rushes are not activated (unless they are also a rock-type). In addition, other weathers happen in addition to the HARD ROCK, seeing as how it is not really a type of weather. Regular Sandstorm cannot be summoned, but instead removes other weathers.
-No external water
-No external grass
-Rock Slide ignores the damage reduction for multiple targets, and becomes 100% accurate
-All rock-types Pokemon gain Sturdy in addition to their regular abilities. If they already have Sturdy, this is replaced by Solid Rock. If they already have both, they are Carracosta and don't need it.Switch: OKItems: OKAbilities: ALLSubstitutions: 2 per PokemonChills/Recovers: 5/2 per Pokemon

Type:Ground: Ground STAB; Immune to all electrical attacks, can Dig through almost any substance, Evasive Digging reduced from 3 per action Energy Cost to 2 per action, superior senses in darkened cave surroundings.Rock: Rock STAB; reduce damage from all special attacks by two (2) Base Attack Power during Sandstorm. Able to use Sand Tomb without losing focus.

Abilities:Solid Rock: (Innate) This Pokemon’s body is extremely solid and durable, and the Base Attack Power of incoming super-effective attacks is reduced by two (2).LightningRod: (Innate) These Pokemon naturally attract electricity to themselves and away from partners in double battles. When struck with an Electric attack, they tranfer the energy into their body, using it to increase their Special Attack by one (1) stage. This boost is maintained at the end of each round.Reckless (DW): (Innate) This Pokemon has an innately aggressive nature that lets it use all-out attacks with recoil more effectively. Recoil attacks from this Pokemon have two (2) more Base Attack Power, and recoil percentage is unaffected.

Type:Flying: Flying STAB; immunity to Ground attacks except under the effects of Smack Down and Gravity, even for ground-based flying Pokemon. Will always hit foes with Dig (except other Flying types) and Dive. Cannot be hit by Dive unless the attacking Pokemon has a size class greater than four (4). Immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Enhanced aerial mobility. Superior senses in open air arenas.Rock: Rock STAB; reduce damage from all special attacks by two (2) Base Attack Power during Sandstorm. Able to use Sand Tomb without losing focus.

Abilities:Rock Head: (Innate) This Pokemon’s hard body prevents it from taking recoil damage from moves such as Double-Edge, Flare Blitz, and Head Smash.Pressure: (Innate) This Pokemon’s presence fills the air with intense anxiety, and any damaging or status attack launched at this Pokemon costs the opposing Pokemon two (2) more energy to perform.UnNerve (DW): (Innate) The Pokemon's presense causes immense tension in the opponent, preventing them from eating a held Berry. Natural Gift may still be used.

Type:Grass: Grass STAB; immunity to Leech Seed and Worry Seed. 50% reduction in status effect chance of oncoming "powder" attacks. More mobile in areas with strong natural light sources. Superior senses in tall grass and forest areas. Able to use Wrap and Bind without losing focus.Rock: Rock STAB; reduce damage from all special attacks by two (2) Base Attack Power during Sandstorm. Able to use Sand Tomb without losing focus.

Abilities:Suction Cups: (Innate) This Pokemon has sticky suction cups that anchor down to prevent it from being moved or scared away by Roar or Whirlwind. It will hold its ground against Dragon Tail and Overhead Throw and will not be forced out in a switch battle.Storm Drain (DW): (Innate) This Pokemon lures all water attacks to itself, altering their course away from partner Pokemon. It absorbs the water and increases its Special Attack by one (1) stage. A boost gained this way by an opponent's attack will be maintained at the end of each round. Self-targeted attacks do not maintain boosts.

Solrock [Ra] (genderless)Nature: Quiet (+Special Attack, -Speed)Type:Rock: Rock STAB; Reduce damage from all special attacks by two (2) Base Attack Power during Sandstorm. Able to use Sand Tomb without losing focus.Psychic: Psychic STAB; less susceptible to blinding, more susceptible to sound-based assaults as far as locking on with Psychic attacks, can lift and throw opponents with Psychic regardless of Special Attack Rank. Psychic-type attacks are not godlike and cannot be used as a catchall for Disabling, Binding, and redirecting opposing attacks.

Abilities:Levitate: (Trait) This Pokemon naturally floats above the earth when released or easily takes flight, evading the Ground moves Bulldoze, Earthquake, Fissure, and Magnitude. Earth Power will have three (3) less Base Attack Power. Dig and Dive can strike a Levitating Pokemon if their user is over Size Class 4, has Levitate, is 3.5m or larger, or is a flying type. Otherwise Dig and Dive will miss. Ground moves can still hit. Levitate Pokemon will retain the Levitate trait when they use Skill Swap on an enemy, and will steal the opponent's ability (the user can specify if they want a foe or ally to gain Levitate from a Skill Swap.) If a Pokemon with Levitate uses Role Play, they will copy the opponent's abilities and retain Levitate.

Carracosta [Henhene] (F)
Nature: Quiet (+Sp Atk, -15% speed, -10% evasion)Type: Water/RockWater: Water STAB; Can breathe and have excellent mobility when underwater, are less capable on land unless they are entirely amphibious.Rock: Rock STAB; reduce damage from all special attacks by two (2) Base Attack Power during Sandstorm. Able to use Sand Tomb without losing focus.

Abilities:Sturdy: This Pokemon’s body is solidly constructed, reducing the Base Attack Power from an opponents incoming attacks by one (1). The effect is amplified on OHKO Moves, which are reduced by ten (10) Base Attack Power.Solid Rock: (Innate) This Pokemon’s body is extremely solid and durable, and the Base Attack Power of incoming super-effective attacks is reduced by two (2).Swift Swim (DW): (Innate) The Pokemon with this ability moves extremely fast in slick, rainy conditions, doubling (x2) its Speed in the rain.

Type: Rock/FlyingRock: Rock STAB; reduce damage from all special attacks by two (2) Base Attack Power during Sandstorm. Able to use Sand Tomb without losing focus.Flying: Flying STAB; immunity to Ground attacks except under the effects of Smack Down and Gravity, even for ground-based flying Pokemon. Will always hit foes with Dig (except other Flying types) and Dive. Cannot be hit by Dive unless the attacking Pokemon has a size class greater than four (4). Immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Enhanced aerial mobility. Superior senses in open air arenas.

Abilities:Defeatist: (Trait) The Pokemon tires from prolonged battles easily, and its Attack and Special Attack reduce by two (2) Ranks when at or below 50% of its maximum HP. Once Defeatist is active, attacks cost two (2) less energy. If the Pokemon goes back above 50% of its maximum HP in battle, Defeatist's effects will disappear.

Abilities: Sand Veil - (Innate) This Pokemon is used to reacting in desert conditions and gets a 20% evasion boost during Sandstorms. Pokemon with this ability are immune to Sandstorm damage. (DW) Water Absorb - (Innate) This Pokemon absorbs water attacks and instead of taking damage from them, recovering 50% of the damage the water attack would have done. A Pokemon that attacks itself with water to heal only recieves 25% of the damage that attack would do to itself.

Milotic ♀ - Grandeur Nature: Bold (Def: +1, Atk: -1) Type: Water Water Type - Water STAB; Can breathe and have excellent mobility when underwater, are less capable on land unless they are entirely amphibious.

Abilities: Marvel Scale - (Innate) This Pokemon’s coat shimmers when afflicted with a status condition, reducing the Base Attack Power of incoming physical attacks by two (2). (DW) Cute Charm - (Innate) This Pokemon’s natural cuteness causes Pokemon of the opposite gender in the same egg group to be attracted to it 30% of the time after striking with a contact move.

Grandeur is a matronly figure within a battling team, nurturing and protecting allies. That is not to say that she is without teeth, figuratively. Just as she did in the spawning stream, she disposes of foes that would do harm to those around her with efficiency and sternness.

Abilities: Intimidate - (Can be Activated) When this Pokemon initially goes out into the battlefield, it generates an intimidating roar or war cry that shakes all opponents on the battlefield, reducing thier Attack stage by one (1). The attack drop is maintained at the end of each round. If an opponent switches in a new Pokemon, Intimidate can be activated again as an Action, and will affect all opponents. Prankster - (Innate) The Pokemon is always prepared for engaging in sneaky tactics and trickery, giving its non-damaging attacks an increase in priority level. (DW) Justified - (Innate) This Pokemon's body reacts to dark energy, invigorating its passions. When hit by a Dark-type move, the Pokemon's attack will increase one (1) stage. A boost gained this way by an opponent's attack will be maintained at the end of each round. Self-targeted attacks do not maintain boosts.

Finding reprieve in the necessities, Pumyra prefers to live simply and honestly. The falliables of others are of little weight on her mind; one day leads into the next eventually, but not right now. In battle, Pumyra takes her time and etches her advantages to last - no point in anything that doesn't last longer than it takes to create.

[a]Kingdra[/a]

Kingdra ♂ - Byne Nature: Mild (SpA: +1, Def: -1) Type: Water / Dragon Water Type - Water STAB; Can breathe and have excellent mobility when underwater, are less capable on land unless they are entirely amphibious. Dragon Type - Dragon STAB; More in touch with legendary or special auras in arenas. Able to use Hyper Beam and Giga Impact without losing focus.

Abilities: Swift Swim - (Innate) The Pokemon with this ability moves extremely fast in slick, rainy conditions, doubling (x2) its speed in the rain. Sniper - (Innate) This Pokemon has deadly accuracy and strikes sensitive points, increasing its critical hit bonus from +3 to +5 on single attacks, +2 to +3 on two-hit attacks, and +1 to +2 on multi-hit attacks. (DW) Damp - (Innate) This Pokemon releases a damp mist upon entry into battle that short circuits the opponent’s ability to use Selfdestruct or Explosion.

Having survived a lot of punishment and hard battles to get to this point, Kingdra has learned fully the value of teammates. To this end, he has started to focus on support strategies instead of offense. He's already got offense all figured out, you see. He's still not the social type, but proximity with others is no longer an issue.

Up here, I live another life in an another world - a sweeter, simpler life beneath the towering monument and the wide, cloudless sky. High above the clouds, breathing the crisp high-altitude air, I can forget the toils of daily life. Stressful financial problems and difficult moral dilemmas are left behind at the foot of the mountain. Up here, from my lofty pedestal looking down both figuratively and literally at the petty humdrum of daily life, I am completely and utterly free, lording over my own little corner of the world. I am in complete control, and my souls soars through the open skies and twisting caverns like a joyful newly-evolved Archeops, finally achieving that sought-after dream of flight after enduring so much.

There is one thing, one entity, that thrives atop Monolith Hall. The music, eternally reverberating through every dusty red surface, through every being atop the peak, embraces and envelops us all in its loving grasp. The energy pulses to the tempo, bounding through us all in great leaps and linking us together with the infinite power of the universal language. It unifies us like no other force could ever hope to achieve; the pounding bass and forceful chords form unbreakable bonds from leader to friend, ally to ally, and us all down to the rock foundation of our home. Up here, we are one.

We are free, we are one, and so we live a sacred, perfect life. The music is unending, and our freedom and unity draw from a bottomless font of both flowing rhythms and solid rock. So long as the songs stream out unbound from our instruments, this paradise continues unhindered.

And now, this cretin waltzes in uninvited, demanding a battle. Though I admire his brash headstrength in arriving uninvited to my temple, his intrusion will most certainly not be taken lightly. How did he even get up here in the first place? The trailhead is tucked behind a pile of boulders unceremoniously tossed in a moraine meadow east of the Hall, far out of sight from the average backpacker. The path itself is treacherous; I in fact take great care to ensure it is hidden to the unknowing eye and unnavigable to the untrained traveler. Nevertheless, he has come here to interrupt our blissful balance.

Greeting him with all of the arrogance and esoteric eloquence expected of a rock star, I turn back to my beloved band and give them the proper signal. Starting up an intro beat, Helton's drums are soon joined by a light bassline from Henehene. A few bars later, Thrawn enters in the song, slicing out background chords out on his especially sturdy guitar with his great scything claws. Grinning widely at them, satisfied with their excellent start, I turn back towards the roaring crowd - and our mysterious visitor.

"Perhaps you know not the sacred nature of Monolith Hall. Unless you are a pilgrim of rock, I pity you - another lost soul turning away from the golden nectar of music is such a disappointment and loss opportunity in my heart. But I hold nothing back against those with souls less pure and free than my own! We will battle with all of our strength, my team and I, and empowered by the music that echoes through this mountaintop, we will find victory!"

The crowd cheers and jeers savagely, roughly jostling the outsider even as they clear a ring for a battlefield. I have the crowd entirely within my mental grasp and their mob mentality meshes seamlessly with my own goals. The stage lights blast out from the Megadon's forehead behind me, lining up perfectly with another mighty shred from Thrawn. My shadow looms long and dark over the robed man, looking horribly out of place in the sea of rock Pokemon.

"Without further ado, we shall begin this titanic clash at the foot of the heavens! The opening song will feature a guest...DRUUUUUUUUM!"

Again, the crowd showers us with praise - they know exactly what I mean, having been held suspensively on this riveting cliffhanger many times over. If the challenger is confused whatsoever by my wording, he shows nothing more on that unnerving impasse mask. Hmph. I wave another member of the band onto the stage, and another round of applause ripples through the stony tide. They love me. I love them. He's in the way.

Gumbo trudges out onto the stage with dramatic slowness, sloughing along low to the ground with her unique gait. Lurching to the deep beat as her she travels across the stage at a ... Cradily's pace, she takes a well-deserved moment to rest at next to Helton's drumset. The hefty Rhyperior takes no notice of her, and simply continues to pound away on the drums, his driving beat pushing the song forward. Then, without warning, he whips out his wrecking-ball tail without surprising agility and slams it forcefully into Gumbo's head. A resounding boom echoes between mountainsides, contributing a unique sound to the music.

We've worked hard on this effect, and I've taken every precaution to ensure Gumbo is completely unharmed by it. Helton is in fact hitting a miniscule nerveless point on Gumbo's skin, and the shock is delicately spread throughout her entire body, some of the energy slipping down through her roots and harmlessly into the Hall. The amount of planning and technique that goes behind a seemingly straightforward, slightly stupid, maneuver is astounding - perhaps a metaphor for rock itself. To me, it proves my team's loyalty and dedication. To outsiders, it showcases both Gumbo's resilience and Helton's strength. However, if this stranger is at all perturbed by my intimidation tactics, he shows nothing. Very well, this next act should.

A shrill screech sounds out from near the top of the Megadon, and it isn't an arcing chord from either myself or Thrawn. A dark shape dives down, moving so fast as to be indistinguishable, and rushes bare centimeters from the heads of the crowd, soaring over the crowd. Tulowitzki always has been one for showboating, and this entire environment suits him excellently. Taking a wide loop over the edge of Monolith Hall, he jets back towards the stage. Though it takes a few moments to realise for most, his high-pitched cries are indeed another instrument in the band, providing a high overtone that normally only a soprano-tuned guitar can match. Circling back around again, he flies even lower than earlier and approaches top speed towards the band and the Megadon. Tucking in his wings, -- BAM! The following sonic boom knocks some unfortunate fans to the ground, and in less than an eyeblink, Tulowitzki's perching on Gumbo's head, as if nothing happened. I sneak a smile in his direction, and he caws appreciatively.

Again, no reaction from the challenger. I guess we'll just have to get on with it. Striking a deep harmony with Thrawn, we give the signal to Tulowitzki. In another eyeblink, he's sitting on the edge of the battle ring - with Gumbo sitting happily, if a little awkwardly, in his talons. Turning back to the music, I await for my opponents reply. Let's go, heretic, I silently goad him. Give me all you've got. We are ready.

heralds disaster.

oh my god I am not doing THAT for every fucking post that is way to much fucking flavor I told you "a decent amount" what the fuck

"Cretin? Please, do not be so blind to what I have to offer you here today. I do not envy you, Leethoof, for I too am privy to a blessed and flawless life. My calling is simply exemplified by a different muse. I am not a musician, Leethoof, but after I am done today you will not be able to deny the music in what you are about to witness!

My Pokemon are my calling. There's nothing more to it than that. I have given up more than you can fathom for the good of my team, and I don't regret it, Leethoof. One life discarded to gain another.

They are my strength and I am theirs. I toil, day and night, so that they might learn what I know. So that they can teach me what they learn. They bring me here today so that they might share our learnings with you in this hall of stone.

I bring you a first tutor: a patient and kind one that reviles undo harm. And yet, one that understands that sparing the rod spoils the child. Wiser than I and ever dependable; I do believe you are already acquainted with Pumyra the Tomohawk!"

Pumyra @ Expert Belt

"We are ready to make this battle a strategist's nightmare, are we not, Pumyra!?

I bring you a second tutor: a cunning one long-neglected by her former trainer. Knowing the value of both truth and lies, and knowing that appearences are almost always the latter, I wish you to become acquainted with Rosey the Cacturne!"

Rosey @ Coba Berry

"We won't be ridiculed on the basis of the ego of a rock star with no audience, will we Rosey!?"

"We've worked too hard. We've given up too much. We have too much to prove. Our faith in one another is absolute! We are too united to lose here today!"

With the music blaring, both the leader and challenger have sent out their Pokemon. And here they go! Tomohawk quickly showcases its Intimidate ability with a war cry that manages lower both Aerodactyl and Cradily's Attack. Not only that, but it then puts its Prankster ability to use, outspeeding the speed demon that is Aerodactyl to Taunt it. Perhaps Lou is looking to limit Aerodactyl's disruptive capabilities? However, Aerodactyl has a lot more than that going for it, as it very effectively demonstrates. Firstly, with Pressure it sapped a bit more of Tomohawk's energy from the Taunt. Additionally, it uses Power Herb to strike quickly with Sky Attack, causing massive damage to Cacturne. With Unnerve, Cacturne isn't even able to use the Coba Berry its equipped with to lessen the blow! Sky Attack has a flinch chance, but Cacturne manages to overcome the urge and fires a barrage of seeds at Cradily using Worry Seed... The attack doesn't seem to have any effect though, as with Cradily's Grass typing it has an immunity to the seeds! It's a shame, because wearing down Cradily looks like the centerpiece of Lou's strategy, and removing its built-in Sturdy (and Water immunity) would have been a huge asset. Cradily just gives Cacturne a look before letting loose a Sludge Bomb that does good damage and causes Cacturne to become poisoned! Both Tomohawk and Cacturne start to suffer from the HARD ROCK, and Cacturne's Poison also kicks in for further damage.

Cradily suddenly throws up a protective barrier using Protect, not to actually shield itself, but to activate Lou's substitutions. Tomohawk changes targets from Cradily to Aerodactyl and uses Hidden Power, but Aerodactyl is too high up in the air to hit! Cacturne uses Swords Dance to boost its Attack before Aerodactyl slams into it with Fly. That was well played by Leet, as his Pokemon haven't even taken any damage yet while Cacturne is on the verge of fainting, especially after a second round of HARD ROCK and Poison. This is definitely not looking good for LouisCyphre...

With a second Sky Attack, things go from bad to worse for Lou, as Cacturne hits the dusty floor before doing anything useful at all. Tomohawk fires an Aura Sphere at Cradily, still sticking with the plan of trying to wear down the thing. However, Cradily starts to shine before reflecting the damage back with Mirror Coat. Leet's Pokemon are hardly scratched, while Lou is at a significant disadvantage already. We'll see if he can turn things around now that he's up to order second in the next round!